A Cup Of English

Airplane entertainment.

15 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been on a long plane journey? It's quite an experience. Just getting on the plane takes a while. You have to arrive at the airport two h...

Holland Road.

12 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

When we stayed in London this summer, our apartment was on Holland Road. It was inside a row of typical London town houses: white with black window fr...

Number 5 of A London View + Extras

05 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Point number 5 from yesterday's podcast was missing! Sorry! So here it is, plus a couple of extra pieces of English that are worth learning. 5. In the...

A London View.

04 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This summer I disappeared for a while; you might have noticed(1). I left Wenatchee, with my children, on 22nd of July, and didn't return until 23rd of...

The Purist.

28 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

The most delicious smell filled the house yesterday. My son, Cass had made bread. He has made it successfully many times, and I have had to go to the ...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #34 + Interactive English.

23 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Peter: Hi Liz, are you just about ready? Liz: Yep. Thanks again for giving me a ride. I appreciate all your help. Peter: Oh, don't mention it. Anythin...

Excuses, excuses.

19 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I laughed when I saw the cartoon scene from this podcast, of a boy talking to his teacher, and giving a very weak excuse as to(1) why he hadn't done h...

Junk art.

12 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

While substitute teaching in a local school for an art teacher, I came across junk art. I had heard of it(1), but I had never really looked into it. A...

A snake in my hand.

06 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Our recent camping trip turned out to be more interesting than I had expected. My family and I drove up to a remote forest area near Lake Chelan. Ther...

My First Book.

29 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

For the past five weeks, I've been working on a very exciting project. It is something that I've wanted to do for years and years, but have not got ar...

An App For Android.

21 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Do you find waiting frustrating at times? I do, especially when I'm waiting for someone else to complete their work, so that a project can be finished...

The Brilliant Bee.

16 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you can see the photo of the bee that I recently took in my garden, you will see that it is right in the middle of a big flower. It is sitting on i...

Shapes and mosaics.

12 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever seen a diamond made up of circles? Or a mosaic(1) made up(2) of straight lines? Art that is based on geometric shapes can be fascinating...

Mighty Nike.

29 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I have been in and out of the sporting goods store recently, as my children are all involved in sports. I had to get some soccer shoes for my daughter...

Birds in Spring.

25 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

As I was cleaning the kitchen sink yesterday, I saw something move outside. There is a red leaved tree right outside the kitchen window, so the moveme...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #33 + Interactive English.

24 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

1. Peter: Hi Liz, hey great jacket. 2. Liz: Thanks Peter. It's new. What do you think? Does it suit me? 3. Peter: Yes, its the perfect color for you. ...

An Easter Wish.

21 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On Saturday, I scrambled(1) to buy as much chocolate as I could. It had to be really good chocolate, Swiss. I had a project in mind(2), and I only had...

The Grey Dove.

15 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

There is a bird in my back garden that has a special meaning for me. Here they call it a dove; in England its name is a wood pigeon. It isn't spectacu...

A Way To Save.

08 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Today, as I drove my oldest son to High School, we got stuck in traffic. The road where we were stuck isn't usually a busy one. It is a windy road tha...

Fool's Gold.

25 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On Sunday, we had a family picnic. It was one of the rare days(1) when the children didn't have any sports tournaments, and the weather was perfect. W...

An eye exam and parts of the eye.

18 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

At this time of year, the schools have tests of all kinds for the children. Reading and writing tests, math skills tests, and tomorrow, there will be ...

The Science of Spring.

10 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Primulas are one of the first spring flowers to appear in this area. I was thrilled to see them this morning. Most people I know are excited about the...

The Dining Room.

06 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

It has been some time since we had an episode of A Tour of Homes, so today we will take a close look at the dining room. It, like the kitchen and loun...

Natural Enemies.

04 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, we gave our dog, Foxy, to another family. It was a difficult decision, but a necessary one. She is a working dog, very intelligent and very ...

A Volcanic Project.

27 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

"Mum, I want to make a volcano," said my son Cass on Sunday morning. "You know, the kind that we can make out of paper," he added. That is an unusual ...

U.S. Health Care.

26 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

You have probably heard that President Barack Obama signed into law his medical reform bill. 'Obama Care' is its nick name. Some people are very excit...

Part 2 of Basic Pronunciation Practice #32 + Interactive English.

25 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: I came as soon as I found out. How is she? Parent: Thank you, Liz. She went straight into the operating theater when she got to the hospital, and...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #32 + Interactive English.

25 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: I came as soon as I found out. How is she? Parent: Thank you, Liz. She went straight into the operating theater when she got to the hospital, and...

Strawberries and Cream.

21 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Easter Sunday, a day of family, celebration, and fun. Today, after church, my family and I got together with my in-laws in the East Wenatchee Country ...

Haitian Art

20 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Leavenworth is fast becoming my favorite local place to have lunch. I took my mother up there today for a yummy trip to Pav's restaurant as an early M...

Strength and Flexibility.

18 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I was just listening to a Swiss podcast about health. The presenters were talking about free radicals and how to fight them. They first of all listed ...

Fatty, fatty.

12 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I heard today that eating nuts helps to lower bad cholesterol. That's good news because I love nuts of all kinds. I always have a stash of almonds and...

Basic Pronunciation Practice part 2 + Interactive English.

11 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: Thank you guys for all your help. I couldn't have organized this event without you! Mary and Peter: You're welcome. Mary: There's no way that one...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #31 + Interactive English.

10 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: Thank you guys for all your help. I couldn't have organized this event without you! Mary and Peter: You're welcome. Mary: There's no way that one...

What's for breakfast?

05 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

What do you feel like eating in the morning? Are you a breakfast eater, or do you just have a coffee or tea? There are so many things to choose from w...

New Passports.

04 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

As I was going to the recycling center today, I passed the postman (or, the mail man in U.S). He was sitting in his cute little mail van, next to the ...

Do it yourself and win $5000.

31 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Do-it-yourself is more than a hobby in this town. It is more like a craze. When a job needs to be done around the house, a lot of people will do it th...

A Tree House.

27 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

My children have begged my husband for years to build them a tree house. He has said "No," for a long time, but in 2013, for some reason(1), he change...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #30 + Interactive English.

24 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

At the radio station. Greg: Today we have a special guest from the university who is here to talk to us about the Student Union, and some of its impor...

A Photo Shoot.

23 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I'm happy to tell you that I'm building a website that will soon replace the blog for A Cup Of English. I'm very excited about the change, and I hope ...

Drug addiction in High School.

22 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I made the mistake, last night, of turning up to the High School too early to pick up my son. He was in basketball practice, and still had almost an h...

The Campaign.

17 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, for the first time, I got involved in(1) a political campaign. A friend of mine decided to run for a position(2) on the local School Board....

Basic Pronunciation Practice #29 + Interactive English.

16 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: Excuse me Professor Cameron. Prof: Yes Liz. Liz: I just wanted to hand in my essay today. I know it's due tomorrow, but I won't be here, and I do...

Just a trifle.

11 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

When it's a special time of year, most cultures celebrate, among other ways(1), with traditional food. In England, we have lots of special food, both ...

Angel of the New Year.

06 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

I can't believe it's January, 2014. We say that Christmas 'came and went', which means that it was over very quickly, in the blink of an eye. I know t...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #28 + Interactive English.

06 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer: Hi Liz, I just thought I'd come by to say "Hi", and "Happy New Year." Liz: Happy New Year to you too Jennifer. Did you have a nice time with...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #27 + Interactive English.

16 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Peter: Are you going home for the holidays? Liz: Yes I am. We're going to have a big, family get-together. It'll be fun, but there's loads to do. I th...

Little Eiffel Tower.

06 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

A few weeks ago, I went to pick up my son from High School. Usually I park away from the heavy traffic, on the right side of the parking lot, and he m...

A Glowing 'Starpath'.

02 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

'Luminous', 'glowing', 'radiating' are the words which came to my mind(1) after reading an article about a very special, new technology. It's called '...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #26 + Interactive English.

12 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Brian: "What are all these boxes doing out in the hall?" Liz: "I decided that it was finally time for me to get organized?" Brian: "You? Organized?" L...

A Creepy Education.

04 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, when I was substitute teaching in a local school, I came across a very unusual creature. It was an Austrian leaf bug. It was in the elementa...

Basic Pronunciation Practice + Interactive English #25.

18 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

John: Hi Liz, are you still playing with that thing? Liz: Oh yes, hi John. I'm still getting used to my new iPhone. I'm getting to know the apps reall...

Driving lessons

15 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In the United States, young men and women are allowed to start driving lessons when they are fifteen. They apply for an 'Initial Permit', take lessons...

Dirt.

10 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

As I look at the calendar, I realise that I have about five weeks left, five weeks before the snow 'flies'(1). There are lots of things to do before t...

Basic Pronunciation Practice + Interactive English # 24.

04 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

John: What have you got there? Liz: Oh, it's a new cell phone. John: Nice. Is it a smart phone? Liz: Yep. I decided that it was about time for me to g...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #23 + Interactive English.

19 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Sam: So Liz, are you going to go to the doctor, or do I have to take you myself? Liz: Yes, yes, I'm planning on going. You don't have to force me; bel...

Messing about on the river.

12 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

These September days are glorious. They are still extremely sunny, but there is a coolness in the air which makes it easier(1) to be outside. On Sunda...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #22 + Interactive English.

09 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha: Hello Liz! Liz: Hi Samantha! How are you? Samantha: Really well thanks. I'm calling because I have a question. Liz: Oh, go ahead. Samantha: ...

Mimosa.

22 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Those of you who have followed my podcasts for a few years, will know that (1) I love trees. One of my dreams is to have a tree farm. Another, more am...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #21+ Interactive English.

01 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: Come on you two, we need to get going. Mother: I thought we didn't have to leave for another half hour. Liz: We don't really. I want us to have e...

I'll Borrow Your Pitbull.

29 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

'There is an animal that helps to fight crime, is therapeutic(1)to be around, and is a good companion. However, this animal is also used for fighting ...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 20 + Interactive English.

16 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: It's nice to get back and put our feet up. Mother: You're telling me! My feet are killing me. But we had such a lovely day, dear. Father: I had n...

Glass Blowing.

11 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

"It's the best place in Wenatchee," I said to my husband, as I described the new Pybus Market. This all-year-round(1) shopping center and farmer's mar...

Basic Pronunciation Practice #19 plus Interactive English.

03 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Liz: I hope the food gets here soon; I'm starving! Father: Yes, sorry I slept for so long, I just couldn't seem to wake up. Liz: That's alright Dad. I...

Nik Wallenda's wife.

27 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Well, you've probably all heard about Nik Walenda, the man who recently walked 1,500 ft above the Gran Canyon on a two inch thick wire, with no protec...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 18 + Interactive English.

20 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

It's so good to see you both again; I can't believe it's been almost 3 months! That's what your father and I were saying darling. Time flies, but espe...

Lake Chelan.

18 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

"A change is as good as a rest" is a common saying in England. And that's what I've been having. It's summer, the children are out of school, our rout...

A slimy surprise.

04 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

A poet called Robert Southey who lived in the late 1700's and early 1800's wrote: What are boys made of? Slugs and snails and puppy dog tails. That's ...

Scenes of Spokane.

22 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Last week we had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Spokane. It's a city of about 210,000 people, making it the second largest city in Washington...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 17 + Interactive English.

15 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Liz (on the phone): Hi Mum, are you all packed and ready for your visit? Mother: Yes darling; we're so excited to see you again. Liz: Me too. But ther...

Get it built.

07 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

I volunteered this year to build my mother an arbor in her back garden. She has a small patio at the back of her house with three borders(1) for plant...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 16 + Interactive English.

03 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Peter: Hi Liz, I see your cast is off. Liz: Yes, finally! Life is so much easier without one. Peter: You had some bad luck breaking your arm. Liz: Yes...

Table of Knowledge.

02 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

It's 8:45 at Tom, Dick, and Harry's. The coffee's hot, the door's unlocked, and that corner table - the one by the jukebox(1), is gathering a familiar...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 15.

30 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

At the clinic: Doctor: So, how have you been getting along with this arm? Liz: Fine. I can get around alright, but it has definitely slowed me down. D...

Analysis Time - Social Activities Prolong Life.

29 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In a study in The Harvard University Gazette called 'Social Activities Found to Prolong Life', scientists talk about the great importance of socializi...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 14.

25 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Hi Liz, what happened to your arm? Oh, you won't believe it. I was coming out of the cellular phone store the other day, and I slipped on something an...

My Wonderful Snowball.

23 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

I listen to podcasts nearly every day. Not only do I love the fact that I am learning each time I hear one, but I also(1) love the fact that they are ...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 13.

20 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In the cellular phone store. Customer service assistant: Hello ma'am, how can I help you today? Would you be interested in one of our 4G phones with v...

The Blue Bees.

18 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

The Spring season brings all sorts of life and activity to this valley. You see people out on the streets, walking their dogs, in the parks with frien...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 12.

15 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Liz:How are you feeling today? Maria:Oh, much better. Thanks so much for taking care of me. The soup you made, and the medicine you bought me really h...

No podcasts this week.

10 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry everyone, I have finally caught my daughter's horrible cold, so I won't do podcasts this week. My voice is very difficult to understand, so it w...

A Long Look At Wheels.

08 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

"Clunk, clunk. Clunk, clunk," it was time to have the wheels looked at(1) and the tires changed from winter tires to summer tires. For a few weeks I h...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 11.

04 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In the supermarket, Liz is on the phone: Liz: Maria, I'll get the stuff for the soup. I'm in the supermarket right now. Maria: Oh, thanks Liz. But you...

Sissy's diner.

03 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

I love to discover good places to eat. I know what it is to cook a lot, and clean up afterwards. So, if I stumble across(1) a place that can do all of...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 10.

01 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Hey Peter, fancy meeting you here! Hi Liz, I've come to book a holiday. Really? No, I'm only joking. I'm a poor student, remember? I can't afford a ho...

Science at home.

29 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent(1), I think a lot about my children's education(2). Is it good or bad? Is it varied, hands-on(3), relevant? The only way to really(4) find...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 9.

27 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Hello Mrs Fontaine. Oh, hello Liz. Welcome back to Fontaine's Travel Agency, and this time as an employee. Thanks, I'm excited to start. Well, we're g...

Housing Market Up.

21 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Sales of low-priced(1) homes here continue to feed(2) a housing market that has buyers eager(3), sellers satisfied and some real estate agents scrambl...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 8.

21 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

So, tell me about your job hunting. Well, I needed something part-time. So, I tried several places. And what did you end up with? Believe it or not, I...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 7.

18 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

How was your night out? Great, thanks. We went to dinner and then went to a club called 'Shapiro's'. We danced for hours. You look tired. I am. It was...

New growth.

14 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Those of you who have followed my podcast for a few years will know that I'm obsessed with gardening. Trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables, seeds, and e...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 6.

13 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What did you find out about retakes?Oh, we can retake small tests, but not end of term finals.That makes sense.Thankfully, I did ok on the last test, ...

Time To Kill.

12 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when you have time to kill? It's a bit of a violent phrase, isn't it? It really means to use up spare time, or extra time. That is just...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 5.

11 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

That test was really hard. How do you think you did?Alright, I suppose. I'm glad I studied all of the notes that the teacher gave us.Yes, me too.When ...

Analysis Time - Detecting Explosives.

07 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Technology being(1) developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could put(2) explosive-sniffing(3) dogs out of business. Just like dogs, the te...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 4.

06 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

That was a really good lecture. Yes, it was. That professor keeps it interesting. Well, I have a lot to study for the next test. Me too. Do you need a...

Xyla

05 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Xylitol is a wood sugar that I've been using for a few years. It has many benefits. A dentist friend(1) told me that because its molecular structure(2...

Basic Pronunciation Practice 3.

04 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

After you (holding the door) Thank you, that's very kind. Are you new to the class? Yes, I'm starting late because I've just moved here. Well, I'm sur...

Analysis Time - Science For The Young.

28 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Science education has taken new life(1) with the opening, six months ago, of the Mobius Science Center in Spokane, Washington. A $14 million fund put ...

Basic Pronunciation Practice.

27 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Excuse me, am I close to the college? Yes, it's just around the corner. Which department do you need? I need to go to the Science department. Ok, that...